The value of the euro currency has plunged for example, which makes American exports - key to the U.S.economic recovery - less competitive.

VOA: standard.2010.02.26

That means more melting ice in the Arctic, dumping fresh water into the salty sea and making a mess of the all-important Gulf jet stream, which makes northern U.S. habitable.

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Consumer spending, which makes up about 70% of the U.S. gross domestic product, is expected to be about in line with its activity last year, which had more pent-up demand and a larger trough to climb.

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U.S. exporters are benefiting from the long-term weakening of the U.S. dollar which makes American goods cheaper overseas.

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